So I recently returned to BOTW after so many months. I have a lot of problems with BOTW - Its mediocre combat, encounter design, terrible loot etc.. being some of them. However the world design in this game.... it is just freaking sublime. Its masterful construction of an overworld that makes you feel as if you are making new discoveries ( or atleast the illusion of it ) when you climb every other peak is masterful. It is the most perfect level design I have seen in a fantasy based open world.
The reason I say Fantasy based is because I do not think it is even fair to put games that have real world cities in there up to the same standard because it seems impossible for any one to use a similar design philosophy in a real world setting.
The genius in there who used the 'triangle rule' needs to be given a freaking raise and made to write text books. For those unfamiliar with the triangle rule -it refers to using triangular structures in the game's world that players can go straight over or around. The advantage in doing that is that it keeps obscuring and revealing the world in succession leading players to feel as if they are making discoveries as they go around or over the triangle.
It is a masterclass in open world level design and I hope more fantasy based games ( Horizon, Witcher etc.. ) copy. In a lot of ways it feels like the Elder Scrolls Skyrim formula but taken to the next level.
Say what you will about Zelda's shortcomings, there is no game yet released that provides a feeling of discovery ( even if the actual discovery is something shoddy like a stupid weapon that will break in a few minutes ) is unparalleled. It is the gold standard of open world level design that all fantasy games should aspire to imo.
Do you agree ERA?
The reason I say Fantasy based is because I do not think it is even fair to put games that have real world cities in there up to the same standard because it seems impossible for any one to use a similar design philosophy in a real world setting.
The genius in there who used the 'triangle rule' needs to be given a freaking raise and made to write text books. For those unfamiliar with the triangle rule -it refers to using triangular structures in the game's world that players can go straight over or around. The advantage in doing that is that it keeps obscuring and revealing the world in succession leading players to feel as if they are making discoveries as they go around or over the triangle.
It is a masterclass in open world level design and I hope more fantasy based games ( Horizon, Witcher etc.. ) copy. In a lot of ways it feels like the Elder Scrolls Skyrim formula but taken to the next level.
Say what you will about Zelda's shortcomings, there is no game yet released that provides a feeling of discovery ( even if the actual discovery is something shoddy like a stupid weapon that will break in a few minutes ) is unparalleled. It is the gold standard of open world level design that all fantasy games should aspire to imo.
Do you agree ERA?